Arithmetic Games Set 1

The Good
Graphics in the most part do their job, & are clear, making good use of CGA. There not many sounds , but they do an adequate job, & add to the playing. There are two games available, each containing 3 skill levels, which add challenges to the games.

Both games are good, but Beano is the better piece of software, it that as well as being a good challenge, also enables children to practice their arithmetic. Rockets also does, but less so.

The Bad
The only downside was the lack of instructions at hand, which is hardly the software's fault, but needed trial & error for a time to figure out all the rules. Remembering to put plus & minus instructions in brackets if timing them afterwards did help with this.

The Bottom Line
Considering this edutainment title was one of the earliest titles released for the PC by IBM (it might have even been one of the titles released with the machine) it is very good, & certainly showcases the machines use as an educational tool.

Even though the title is now 34 years old, I still managed to have a couple of enjoyable hours playing this (which is more than you can say for most titles of this period), certainly Beano, & getting to remember to use any arithmetic skills I still have.

IF anyone has some time spare & wants to try a retro board type game in an educational setting, I can recommend this. Both are good but Beano is the better title.

The Good
Even if written in BASIC, the game is solid and quite fun. Both gameplay (especially Beano game), but also graphics (game is fully using CGA and have some pretty FX for that year, written in what was available through IBM/Microsoft BASIC commands).

The Bad
After getting a grip on it, it's quite easy even on hardest difficulty.

The Bottom Line
From the few 1981 PC games, I like this one most. The game had humble ambitions, but in the end, it was well executed from the technical perspective and also meets its goals by hooking a player enough.